The All Pakistan CNG Association has demanded of the government to withdraw the decision of 31 percent increase in gas prices and also to rationalise CNG price, otherwise they would go on strike on Monday, July 7, 2008. They said that in the first phase, Punjab zone would observe strike for 24 hours and if the government would not accept their demands then they would go on nation-wide strike.
They said that increase in the gas prices should not be more then 25 percent. Addressing a press conference at Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the founder-chairman of All Pakistan CNG Association, Tariq Kundun, along with chairman Sana-ur-Rehman, vice chairmen Ayaz Paracha and Shuja Anwer said that the government had revised CNG prices without consulting the industry.
They also urged the CNG users to support the CNG industry in the strike. They said that CNG association also wants to cater to the interest of the CNG users; thus they were going for strike.
There are 1300 CNG stations in Punjab and all pumps will remained closed on strike call, they said, adding that previously NWFP had observed strike and 358 CNG stations of total 363 stations. They also cleared that those CNG stations which will not close on strike will lose their membership of the association.
"We are still unaware about the break-up of the gas development levy (gdl), petroleum development levy (PDL) withholding tax, electricity tariff and others, then how can we accept the increase in the CNG price", they said. They said that the association had approached the ministries of petroleum and finance to ask about the break-up of increase in CNG price but they had not given any details.
They also demanded of the government to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to the CNG stations. Due to power failure running cost of CNG station increased manifold as they run their plants on diesel, they said. The association has also demanded that petroleum companies should waive or reduce franchise fee from CNG station.
They also requested the government to ask the gas companies to ensure smooth supply of gas in winter season. The gas companies have 12 months agreement with the CNG industry, they said.
They also requested the government to decide the future of CNG Policy which fate was hanging in the government departments for the last six months. They also asked the government to consult with the industry before amending the CNG Policy.